Endoscope system

ABSTRACT

The endoscope system of the present invention includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device that picks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unit that converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device into images and then displays these images; a first mounting portion that is provided in an operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted; and a second mounting portion that is provided in the operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted in a different position from that of the first mounting portion.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/503,708 filed Aug. 14, 2006, which is a continuationapplication of a PCT Application No. PCT/JP2005/002284, filed on Feb.15, 2005, entitled “ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM” whose priority is claimed onJapanese Patent Application No. 2004-86835 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2004-86836, filed Mar. 24, 2004, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2004-168309, filed Jun. 7, 2004, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2004-38718, filed Feb. 16, 2004, and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2004-49248, filed Feb. 25, 2004, the contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope system and, in particular,to a portable endoscope system that incorporates a small image displaydevice.

2. Description of Related Art

In endoscope systems that are widely used in medical and industrialfields, it is common for a fixed television monitor to be leftpermanently connected via a cable to an eyepiece portion, and for animage obtained by the endoscope to be formed on a light receivingportion of an image pickup element such as a CCD. This formed image isthen converted into a signal and the image in the form of a signal issupplied via a cable to a television monitor in a separate location. Thesignal is then reconverted into an image and displayed on the screen ofthis television monitor.

Endoscope systems have also been proposed (for example, refer toJapanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. H10-127575, JapanesePatent Application, First Publication, No. H11-9548, Japanese PatentApplication, First Publication, No. 2000-116599, and Japanese PatentApplication, First Publication, No. 2000-171729) in which a light sourceapparatus, an image display unit such as a miniature liquid crystalmonitor, and a battery that drives the light source, image pickupelements, and the liquid crystal monitor are incorporated in anendoscope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The endoscope system according to a first aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device thatpicks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unitthat converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the imagepickup device into images and then displays these images; a firstmounting portion that is provided in an operating section of theendoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted; and a secondmounting portion that is provided in the operating section of theendoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted in a differentposition from that of the first mounting portion.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that there are provided: a first output terminal that is providedon the first mounting portion and that outputs image pickup signals thathave been sent from the image pickup device; a second output terminalthat is provided on the second mounting portion and that outputs imagepickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device; and aninput terminal that is provided on the image display unit and, when theimage display unit is mounted at the first mounting portion, isconnected to the first output terminal and inputs the image pickupsignals into the image display unit, and, when the image display unit ismounted at the second mounting portion, is connected to the secondoutput terminal and inputs the image pickup signals into the imagedisplay unit.

The endoscope system according to a second aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device thatpicks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unitthat converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the imagepickup device into images and then displays these images; and asupporting portion that is provided on the operating section of theendoscope and that supports the image display unit such that it can beopened up from and shut against the operating section.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that the supporting portion is provided with: a first rotationshaft that extends in a direction that intersects a side surface of theoperating section and that forms a center of rotation when the imagedisplay unit is rotated; and a second rotation shaft that extends inanother direction that is perpendicular to the first rotation shaft andthat forms a center of rotation when the image display unit is rotatedin another direction.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that the supporting portion supports the image display unit suchthat it can be housed within a recessed portion that is provided in anouter circumferential surface of the operating section.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft areeach located away from the central axis of the image display unit.

The endoscope system according to a third aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an endoscope that is provided with an image pickupdevice that picks up an image of a test object and a gripping portionthat is formed in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope; and animage display unit that is formed integrally with the endoscope and thatconverts pictures of the test object that have been obtained by theimage pickup device into images and then displays these images, whereinthe image display unit is mounted so as to protrude from a side portionof the endoscope such that, when the gripping portion is gripped by ahand whose thumb is positioned uppermost, the image display unit ispositioned above the fingers of the hand that is gripping the grippingportion excluding the thumb.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that there is provided a light source apparatus that is formedintegrally with the endoscope and that protrudes in a symmetricallyopposite direction from the image display unit with a longitudinal axisof the endoscope sandwiched in between.

The endoscope system according to a fourth aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an endoscope that is provided with an image pickupdevice that picks up an image of a test object and an operating sectionthat operates the endoscope; a finger piece portion that is provided soas to intersect an axis n the longitudinal direction of the operatingsection; and an image display unit that is formed integrally with thefinger piece portion and that converts pictures of the test object thathave been obtained by the image pickup device into images and thendisplays these images.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it is preferable if arotatable operating lever is provided in the operating section, and theimage display unit is provided at substantially the same position as arotation shaft of this operating lever.

The endoscope system according to a fifth aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an insertion portion that can be inserted inside abody cavity of a test object; an observation image acquisition portionthat acquires an observation image of the interior of the body cavityfrom a distal end side of the insertion portion; an operating sectionthat is connected to a base end portion of the insertion portion; anobservation portion that is provided in the operating section and thatmakes it possible to observe the observation images that have beenacquired by the observation image acquisition portion; and three settingdown portions that are arranged in a triangle extending across at leastone of the operating section and the observation portion.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that at least one of the setting down portions is formed by aconnector component that is used for connecting an external cable and isprovided so as to protrude from the observation portion or the operatingsection.

The endoscope system according to a sixth aspect of the presentinvention, includes: an insertion portion that can be inserted inside abody cavity of a test object; an observation image acquisition portionthat acquires an observation image of the interior of the body cavityfrom a distal end side of the insertion portion; an image pickup devicethat picks up the observation images; an image display unit thatincludes a display screen that displays observation images based onimage pickup signals from the image pickup device; an operating sectionthat is provided with a gripping portion and that is connected to a baseend portion of the insertion portion; and a supporting portion that isprovided in the operating section and rotatably supports the imagedisplay unit, wherein the display screen can be rotated around an axisthat intersects a longitudinal direction of the gripping portion.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that the operating section is provided with an operating componentthat controls movements of the insertion portion, and, in the grippingportion, the operating component can be operated by an operator when theoperator is gripping the gripping portion, and, in the image displayunit, when the operator is gripping the gripping portion the displayscreen can be rotated so as to face towards the operator.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arrangedsuch that the supporting portion is provided with: a first rotationsupporting portion that is provided on the operating section; a secondrotation supporting portion that is provided on the image display unit;and an arm component that is rotatably linked to both the first rotationsupporting portion and the second rotation supporting portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the endoscopesystem of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking from a different direction fromthat in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of theendoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing with the internal structure of theendoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of anendoscope system to which the present invention can be applied inaddition to the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view looking from a different direction fromthat in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of theendoscope system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first linking portion that isprovided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first linking portion that isprovided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an image display unit that is provided inthe endoscope system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the image display unit that isprovided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment in an openstate.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing an image display unitthat is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a second rotation shaft thatis provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first rotation shaft that isprovided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment as well asportions adjacent thereto.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a first rotation shaft that isprovided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment as well asportions adjacent thereto.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the image display unit that isprovided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment in an openstate.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of anendoscope system to which the present invention can be applied inaddition to the endoscope system of the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic structural view showing the internal structure ofthe endoscope system of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a frontal view showing an enlargement of a portion of theendoscope system of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a functional block view of the endoscope system of the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a view showing positional relationships between respectiveportions of the endoscope system when a gripping portion is gripped by aleft hand.

FIG. 25 is a view showing a modification of the endoscope system of thefourth embodiment and is a functional block view of this endoscopesystem.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view looking from a different direction fromthat in FIG. 7 of the endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic structural view showing the internal structure ofthe endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a functional block view of the endoscope system of the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart for illustrating control for reducing powerconsumption that is implemented in the endoscope system of the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 31 is a view showing positional relationships between respectiveportions of the endoscope system when a gripping portion is gripped by aleft hand.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view looking from a different direction fromthat in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a typical view to schematically illustrate the internalstructure of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a frontal view to illustrate the structure of an observationsection of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a plan view to illustrate a method of placing the endoscopesystem of the sixth embodiment on a surface.

FIG. 37 is a plan view to illustrate a method of placing the endoscopesystem of the sixth embodiment on a surface.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view to illustrate an endoscope system of theseventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view looking from a different direction fromthat in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a typical view to schematically illustrate the internalstructure of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a view from the left side showing a supporting portion of theendoscope system of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing the supporting portion of the endoscopesystem of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a frontal view showing the supporting portion of theendoscope system of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view showing a state when thesupporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment isattached to an operating portion.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing state when the supporting portionof the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment is attached to theoperating portion.

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate in typical view aB portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment that isshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of an area adjacent to a display unit toillustrate the structure of a modification of the endoscope system ofthe seventh embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a frontal view of an area adjacent to a display unit toillustrate the structure of the modification of the endoscope system ofthe seventh embodiment.

FIG. 49 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface toillustrate an operation of the above described modification.

FIG. 50 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface toillustrate an operation of the above described modification.

FIG. 51 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface toillustrate an operation of the above described modification.

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate a firstmodification of an arm component that is provided in the above describedmodification.

FIG. 53 is a frontal view to illustrate the first modification of thearm component that is provided in the above described modification.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C to illustratethe first modification of the arm component that is provided in theabove described modification.

FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate a secondmodification of the arm component that is provided in the abovedescribed modification.

FIG. 56 is a frontal view to illustrate the second modification of thearm component that is provided in the above described modification.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D to illustratethe first modification of the arm component that is provided in theabove described modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

The first embodiment of the endoscope system of the present inventionwill now be described using FIG. 1 through FIG. 5.

As is shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the principal component elementsof the endoscope system of the present embodiment are an endoscope 1, alight source apparatus 2 that generates illumination light forilluminating an object, and an image display unit 3 that creates animage from the image of the object obtained by the endoscope 1 anddisplays this created image.

The endoscope 1 is provided with an insertion section 11 whose distalend is inserted into an observation position, and an operating section12 that is used to bend the distal end of the insertion section 11. Inaddition, the endoscope 1 is also provided with an image pickup element(i.e., image pickup device) 4 such as a CCD or the like that receiveslight from an image (i.e., from light) that is guided by an image guide11 b (described below), and a condenser lens 4 a that forms an image onthe light receiving portion of the image pickup device 4. The insertionsection 11 is formed having a flexible elongated configuration and isconnected to one end of the operating section 12. The insertion section11 is provided with a hard distal end portion 16 that is located at adistal end thereof, a bending portion 17 that continues from the distalend portion 16, and a flexible portion 18 that continues from thebending portion 17 and is connected to the operating section 12. Thedistal end portion 16 is provided with an objective lens 19 that formsan image from reflected light that is reflected from the object whichhas been illuminated by the illumination light, and an illuminationwindow 16 a through which the illumination light is irradiated. A lightguide 11 a that guides illumination light from the light sourceapparatus 2 to the distal end portion 16, and an image guide 11 b thatguides images formed on the objective lens 19 to the image pickupelement 4 are incorporated in the bending portion 17 and flexibleportion 18. Note that, in some cases, the image pickup element 4 may beprovided in the distal end portion 16 of the insertion portion 11.

The operating section 12 is provided with a gripping portion 10 that anoperator uses to grip the endoscope 1, and a bending operation lever 20that is used to bend the bending portion 17 in a desired direction viatwo wires 11 c that pass through the insertion portion 11. The grippingportion 10 is formed in a rod shape that allows it to be gripped bywrapping the thumb and the other fingers around it. The gripping portion10 is provided with a suction cap 13 that is used for suctioning liquidssuch as body fluids and the like, a forceps insertion aperture 14 thatis used for inserting treatment tools such as forceps and the like, andan aeration mouthpiece 15 that is used for feeding air into the interiorof the endoscope 1 during inspections to check for leakages in theendoscope 1. A suction apparatus is connected by a tube (not shown) tothe suction cap 13 and body fluids and the like can be suctioned throughthe suction cap 13 by operating the suction apparatus. An air supplyapparatus is connected by a tube (not shown) to the aeration mouthpiece15 and, by operating the air supply apparatus, air can be supplied fromthe aeration mouthpiece 15 to the endoscope 1 so that a leakageinspection of the interior of the endoscope 1 can be performed.

First and second mounting portions 21 and 22 on which the image displayunit 3 is mounted are provided in the operating section 12. The firstmounting portion 21 is positioned at the other end of the operatingsection 12, while the second mounting portion 22 is positioned on a sidesurface of the operating section 12. The operating section 12 is alsoprovided with a startup switch 23 that starts up the endoscope system,and an image recording switch 25 b that causes images that are displayedon the image display unit 3 to be recorded on an image recording device25 (described below).

A first output terminal 21A is provided on the first mounting portion21. The first output terminal 21A is connected to either an inputterminal 35A or an input terminal 36A that are provided on mountingportions 35 and 36 of the image display unit 3, and supplies imagesignals and power to the image display unit 3. A second output terminal22A is provided on the second mounting portion 22. The second outputterminal 22A is also connected to either the input terminal 35A or theinput terminal 36A that are provided on the mounting portions 35 and 36of the image display unit 3, and supplies image signals and power to theimage display unit 3.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the first and second mountingportions 21 and 22 are provided in two different locations on theoperating section 12, however, the mounting portions are not limited tobeing provided in two locations and may be provided in three or morelocations.

Inside the operating section 12 are provided the image recording device25 that records images of an object, an image pickup element controlcircuit 26 that converts images of an object that have been picked up bythe image pickup element 4 into signals and then outputs these, and adisplay element control circuit 27 that converts signals output from theimage pickup element control circuit 26 into images and then displaysthese on a display element 37 of the image display unit 3. In addition,a replaceable battery 5 that supplies power respectively to the lightsource apparatus 2, the image pickup element 4, and the image displayunit 3 is fitted inside the operating section 12. The battery 5 is asecondary battery that can be used by being repeatedly recharged. Insidethe image recording device 25 a memory card, for example, is employed asa recording medium. This recording medium is fitted inside the endoscope1 such that it can be replaced.

The bending operation lever 20 is provided adjacent to the grippingportion 10 such that it can be operated by the fingers of the handgripping the gripping section 10. The bending operation lever 20 isformed in an L shape that is made up of a distal end portion 20 a thatis operated by the thick part of the thumb holding the gripping portion10, and a base end portion 20 b that is connected to one end of thedistal end portion 20 a, and is axially supported by the base endportion 20 b on a shaft 12 a, which is provided on the operating section12, such that it can swing vertically. In the bending operation lever20, the bending portion 17 can be made to bend freely by pushing orpulling the distal end portion 20 a thereof using the thumb such thattensile force is applied to one of the wires 11 c while thrust force isapplied to the other of the wires 11 c.

The light source apparatus 2 is provided with a light source lamp 31, afinger switch 32 that an operator uses to turn on or turn off the lightsource lamp 31 as desired, and a condenser lens 33 that condensesillumination light generated by the light source lamp 31. A connector 2a to which a power cable 6 (described below) can be removably connectedis also provided in the light source apparatus 2. The light source lamp31, the finger switch 32, and the connector 2 a are connected in seriesby a power supply line 2 b that is built into the power supply apparatus2.

Illumination light that is generated by the light source lamp 31 iscondensed by the condenser lens 33, guided by the light guide 11 a, andis then emitted through the illumination window 16 a so as to illuminatethe interior of a body cavity.

The image display unit 3 is provided with a display element 37 such asan LCD that converts observed pictures of an object into images and thendisplays these. The two mounting portions 35 and 36 that can removablyengage with the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion22 that are provided in the operating section 12 are provided in theimage display unit 3.

The input terminal 35A is provided in the mounting portion 35. When themounting portion 35 is engaged with either the first mounting portion 21or the second mounting portion 22 that are provided in the operatingsection 12, the input terminal 35A is connected to either the firstoutput terminal 21A or the second output terminal 22A so that power thatis supplied from the battery 5 is input to the display element 37 andimage signals that are supplied from the display element control circuit27 are input into the display element 37.

The input terminal 36A is provided in the mounting portion 36. When themounting portion 36 is engaged with either the first mounting portion 21or the second mounting portion 22 that are provided in the operatingsection 12, the input terminal 36A is connected to either the firstoutput terminal 21A or the second output terminal 22A so that power thatis supplied from the battery 5 is input to the display element 37 andimage signals that are supplied from the display element control circuit27 are input into the display element 37.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the mounting portions 35 and 36are provided in two locations on the image display unit 3, however, themounting portions of the image display unit are not limited to beingprovided in two locations and may be provided in one location or inthree or more locations.

The light source apparatus 2 is connected by the power supply cable 6that encloses a power supply line 31 a (described below). A base end ofthe power supply cable 6 is fixed to the endoscope 1 side, while adistal end thereof is provided with a connector 6 a. The connector 6 ais removably connected to the connector 2 a of the power supplyapparatus 2.

A power supply line 4 b that supplies power to the image pickup element4 is provided between the image pickup element 4 and the battery 5,while the power supply line 31 a that supplies power to the light sourcelamp 31 is provided between the light source apparatus 2 and the battery5, and a power supply line 25 a is provided between the image recordingdevice 25 and the battery 5. In the same way, a power supply line 21 bthat supplies power to the display element 37 when either one of theinput terminals 35A or 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected tothe first output terminal 21A is provided between the first outputterminal 21 and the battery 5, and a power supply line 22 b thatsupplies power to the display element 37 when either one of the inputterminals 35A or 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to thesecond output terminal 22A is provided between the second outputterminal 22A and the battery 5. Moreover, a power supply line 26 a thatsupplies power to the image pickup element control circuit 26 isprovided between the image pickup element control circuit 26 and thebattery 5, while a power supply line 27 a that supplies power to thedisplay element control circuit 27 is provided between the displayelement control circuit 27 and the battery 5.

A signal line S1 that transmits image signals acquired by the imagepickup element 4 to the image pickup element control circuit 26 isprovided between the image pickup element 4 and the image pickup elementcontrol circuit 26, while a signal line S2 that transmits image signalsthat have been input into the image pickup element control circuit 26 tothe display element control circuit 27 is provided between the imagepickup element control circuit 26 and the display element controlcircuit 27. In addition, a signal line S3 that inputs image signals intothe display element 37 when either one of the input terminals 35A and36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to the first outputterminal 21A is provided between the display element control circuit 27and the first output terminal 21, while a signal line S4 that inputsimage signals into the display element 37 when either one of the inputterminals 35A and 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to thesecond output terminal 22A is provided between the display elementcontrol circuit 27 and the second output terminal 22A. Furthermore, asignal line S5 that transmits image signals that have been input intothe image pickup element control circuit 26 to the image recordingdevice 25 is provided between the image recording device 25 and theimage pickup element control circuit 26.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the first mounting portion 21 isengaged with the mounting portion 35 of the image display unit 3,however, as is shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible for the secondmounting portion 22 to be engaged with the mounting portion 36. It isalso possible to engage the first mounting portion 21 with the mountingportion 36, and to engage the second mounting portion 22 with themounting portion 35. Namely, the image display unit 3 can be set in anyposition desired by the operator.

In an endoscope system having the above described structure, the imagedisplay unit 3 can be removably fitted to the first mounting portion 21that is provided on a side surface of the operating section 12 or to thesecond mounting portion 22 that is provided on a top surface of theoperating section 12. When an operator alters the way they hold thegripping portion 10 in order to suit the operation or examination beingperformed, the operator selects whichever of the first mounting portion21 or the second mounting portion 22 is in a location that makes iteasier to view the screen of the image display unit 3, and mounts theimage display unit 3 in that mounting portion. As a result, irrespectiveof the way in which the operator is gripping the endoscope 1, it isalways possible to obtain an excellent view of the image of the objectthat is displayed on the image display unit 3.

Moreover, because the mounting portion 35 is provided with the inputterminal 35A, and the mounting portion 36 is provided with the inputterminal 36A, and because the first mounting portion 21 is provided withthe first output terminal 21A, and the second mounting portion 22 isprovided with the second output terminal 22A, if either of the mountingportions 35 and 36 is engaged with either of the first and secondmounting portions 21 and 22, then the output terminals and inputterminals with which each is provided are connected and power and imagesignals are supplied to the image display unit 3. Accordingly, the imagedisplay unit can be easily engaged or disengaged without the endoscope 1and image display unit having to be connected by a cable.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above describedembodiment and various modifications may be made thereto insofar as theydo not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

For example, it is also possible to provide a separate cable to connectthe endoscope 1 and image display unit 3 without providing the outputterminals and input terminals in the respective mounting portions, andto supply power and image signals via this cable.

Moreover, the endoscope system of the present embodiment has a structurein which the image recording device 25, the image pickup element controlcircuit 26, and the display element control circuit 27 are provided inthe operating section 12, however, it is also possible for the endoscopesystem to have a structure in which the image recording device 25, theimage pickup element control circuit 26, and the display element controlcircuit 27 are provided in the image display unit 3.

Furthermore, the endoscope system of the present embodiment has astructure in which the endoscope 1 and the power supply apparatus 2 areconnected by the power supply cable 6, however, as is shown in FIG. 5,it is also possible for the endoscope system to have a structure inwhich, for example, the endoscope 1 and the power supply apparatus 2 areformed integrally

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention will now be describedwith reference made to FIG. 6 through FIG. 12. Note that componentelements that have previously been described in the above embodiment aregiven the same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.

As is shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 10, the principal component elementsof the endoscope system of the present embodiment are the endoscope 1,the light source apparatus 2, and the image display unit 3.

A recessed portion 40 in which the image display unit 3 can be housed isformed in the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1, and a firstlinking portion (i.e., supporting portion) 41 that supports the imagedisplay unit 3 is also provided in the operating section 12 of theendoscope 1. As is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first linkingportion 41 is provided with a socket 41A that is a substantiallyball-shaped hole and is a recessed portion that is formed adjacent to arecessed portion 21. A cable extraction hole 41B that enables a cable 7(described below) to be extracted to the outside of the endoscope 1 isformed in the first linking portion 41. A filling component 24 is alsoprovided in the space created between the cable extraction hole 41B andthe cable 7. This filling component 24 is a hollow shaft-shapedcomponent that has a flange portion 24A formed at one end thereof, andfits together with the housing of the endoscope 1.

The image display unit 3 is substantially shaped as a rectangularparallelepiped and is positioned so as to face an outer circumferentialsurface of the operating section 12 as a result of being engaged withthe first linking portion 41, and is supported such that it is able torotate relative to the endoscope 1. As is shown in FIG. 11, this imagedisplay unit 3 is provided with a second linking portion (i.e.,supporting portion) 42 that is formed at one end thereof and thatenables the image display unit 3 to be supported on the endoscope 1 whenit links with the first linking portion 41, and with a pair of handholdportions 43 that protrude from two side surfaces of the image displayunit 3, and an image display unit body 44 that has a display element 37such as an LCD that converts observed pictures of an object into imagesand then displays these.

The second linking portion 42 is a shaft-shaped member and a ball-shapedstud 42A that is engaged in the socket 41A is provided at a distal endthereof. When this stud 42A is engaged with the socket 41A, what isknown as a ball joint connection is formed between the image displayunit 3 and the endoscope 1. As a result, the image display unit 3 isable to swing freely relative to the endoscope 1. In addition, a centralaxis 42B of the second linking portion 42 is provided at a position awayfrom a central axis 42C of the image display unit 3. As a result, thescreen of the image display unit 3 can avoid being housed in therecessed portion 40 when it is facing the outside of the endoscope 1.

The handhold portions 43 are provided such that they can be operated bythe thumb and middle finger of the gripping hand as it grips thegripping portions provided on the operating section 12. The angle of theimage display unit 3 relative to the endoscope 1 can be adjusted usingthe thumb and thick part of the middle finger of the hand holding thegripping portion 10.

As is shown n FIG. 12, the image display unit 3 can be opened up fromand shut inside the outer side surface of the operating section 12 as aresult of the second linking portion 42 being engaged with the firstlinking portion 41. Accordingly, the orientation of the screen of theimage display unit 3 can be adjusted.

A power supply line 37 a that supplies power to the display element 4 isprovided between the display element 37 and the battery 5. The imagedisplay unit 3 is connected by a cable that encloses the power supplyline 37 a and the signal line S3. A signal line S6 that transmits imagesignals that are input into the display element control circuit 27 tothe display element 37 is also provided between the display elementcontrol circuit 27 and the display element 37.

In the endoscope system having the above described structure, the imagedisplay unit 3 is supported such that it can be opened and shut insidethe outer side surface of the operating section 12 as a result of thesecond linking portion 42 being engaged with the first linking portion41. If an operator finds it difficult to obtain an image of an objectthat is displayed on the image display unit 3 while operating theendoscope system, the operator can alter the orientation of the screenof the image display unit 3 using the fingers of the hand holding theoperating section 12 so that the image of the object is easier to view.By employing this type of structure, it is possible to obtain anexcellent view of an image of an object that is displayed on the imagedisplay unit 3 irrespective of the viewing angle of the display element37. As a result, the operability of the endoscope system is improved.

At this time, because the first and second linking portions 41 and 42form what is known as a ball joint, the image display unit 3 can berotated in a variety of directions relative to the operating section 12of the endoscope 1. Accordingly, the degree of freedom is increased whenan operator wishes to adjust to the orientation of the screen of theimage display unit 3. Furthermore, because the handhold portions 43protrude from both side surfaces of the image display unit body 44,rating the image display unit 3 is simplified.

Moreover, because the recessed portion 40 is formed in the outercircumferential surface of the operating section 12, the image displayunit 3 is housed inside the recessed portion 40 when it is shut insidethe operating section 12. As a result, a reduction in the size of theendoscope system is achieved and the image display unit 3 can be storedwith the image display unit 3 shut inside the operating section 12.Accordingly, not only is a reduction in the size of the endoscope systemachieved, but the portability thereof is also improved.

Furthermore, because the central axis 42C of the image display unit 3 isprovided at a position away from the central axis 42B of the secondlinking portion 42, it is possible to prevent the image display unit 3being housed inside the recessed portion 40 while the display screenthereof is still facing towards the outside of the endoscope 1.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference made to FIG. 13 through FIG. 19. Note that component elementsthat have previously been described in the above embodiments are giventhe same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.

In the endoscope system in the first embodiment, the image display unit3 is supported by what is known as a ball joint. In contrast, in theendoscope system of the second embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 13, theimage display unit 3 is supported by a rotation mechanism (i.e., asupporting portion) 54 that enables the image display unit 3 to berotated around the endoscope 1.

As is shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the rotating mechanism 54 isprovided with a first rotation shaft 52 that extends in a perpendiculardirection relative to the axis of the endoscope 1, and a second rotationshaft 53 that extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the firstrotation shaft 52 and that supports the image display unit 3 such thatit can rotate in a different direction from that of the first rotationshaft 52. The first rotation shaft 52 is a convex portion that isprovided on both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of therotation mechanism 54 and that engages with a supporting hole 21B(described below). The second rotation shaft 53 is a convex portion thathas a cylindrical shape and is provided at one end of the rotationmechanism 54. The second rotation shaft 53 engages with the imagedisplay unit body 44. In addition, as is shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17,an electrode 56 that supplies power and image signals from the endoscope1 is provided at a base end of the rotation mechanism 54 such that, whenthe rotation mechanism 54 is axially rotated 90 degrees around the firstrotation shaft 52, the electrode 56 is electrically connected to anelectrode 65 (described below) which is formed in the recessed portion21.

A convex portion 61 that has a cylindrical configuration and engageswith the second rotation shaft 53 is formed at the end of the imagedisplay unit 44 that is linked to the rotation mechanism 54. A powersupply cable 7 that supplies power and image signals to the displayelement 37 is located in aperture portions of the second rotation shaft53 and the convex portion 61. The diameter of the aperture of the convexportion 61 is formed either substantially the same as or slightly largerthan the outer diameter of the second rotation shaft 53, and an O-ring62 that enables the convex portion 61 to rotate around the secondrotation shaft 53 is placed in the gap that is created when the convexportion 61 and the second rotation shaft 53 are engaged. By employingthis type of structure, the airtightness of the power supply cable 7that is located inside the convex portion 61 and the second rotationshaft 53 is increased.

As is shown in FIG. 18, the image display unit 3 is able to be opened upfrom or shut inside the outer side surface of the operating section 12through the rotation mechanism 54 that is provided with the firstrotation shaft 52 and the second rotation shaft 53. As a result, in thesame way as in the above described first embodiment, the orientation ofthe screen of the image display unit 3 can be freely adjusted.

A pair of supporting holes 21B are formed in the recessed portion 21 andthe electrode 65 is additionally provided therein. The first rotationshaft 52 is engaged in the supporting holes 21 so that the image displayunit 3 is supported such that it is able to rotate around the endoscope1. The electrode 65 outputs power and image signals from the endoscope 1to the image display unit 3 as a result of being in contact with theelectrode 56.

The same operation and effects as those of the endoscope system of thepreviously described second embodiment are also present in the endoscopesystem having the structure described above. Furthermore, because theendoscope 1 and the image display unit 3 are electrically connected notby a cable but by the electrode 56, it is possible to avoid a situationin which the cable becomes tangled as a result of the image display unit3 being rotated in a variety of directions relative to the endoscope 1.

It is also possible in the present invention for the endoscope system tohave a structure in which the image recording device 25, the imagepickup element control circuit 26, and the display element controlcircuit 27 are provided in, for example, the image display unit 3.Moreover, the image display unit 3 is supported so that it can be openedor shut so as to face upwards in relation to the endoscope 1, however,it may also be supported so that it can be opened or shut so as to facein other directions (for example, in a downward direction). In addition,for example, as is shown in FIG. 19, the endoscope system may also havea structure in which the endoscope 1 and the light source apparatus 2are formed integrally.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be describedwith reference made to FIG. 20 through FIG. 25. Note that componentelements that have previously been described in the above embodimentsare given the same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.

As is shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the principal component elements ofthe endoscope system of the present embodiment are an endoscope 1 and animage display unit 3 that creates an image from the image of the objectobtained by the endoscope 1 and displays this created image.

As is shown in FIG. 20, the gripping portion 10 is formed in a rod shapeextending in the longitudinal direction of an endoscope 1A such that itcan be gripped by being enveloped by the thumb and the other fingers.The insertion portion 11 is flexible and is formed in a narrow elongatedshape, and is provided so as to hang down from the gripping portion 10when the gripping portion 10 is held with the thumb uppermost. Theoperating section 12 is provided adjacent to the portion immediatelyabove the gripping portion 10 so that it can be operated by the thumb ofthe hand holding the gripping portion 10.

As is shown in FIG. 21, a light emitting diode (LED) is provided in thedistal end portion 16 of the insertion portion 11. Inside the insertionportion 11 are incorporated an image guide 11 b that guides imagesformed on the objective lens 19 to the image pickup element 4, and apower supply line 21 d that is used to supply power from the battery 5to an LED2 d (described below). A finger switch 22 d that an operatoruses to turn on or turn off the LED2 d as is desired is connectedpartway along the power supply line 21 d.

As is shown in FIG. 22, the bending operation lever 20 has a base endportion 20 b that is axially supported by the rotation shaft 12 a thatis provided on the operation section 12, and the bending operation lever20 is supported such that it is able to swing up and down around therotation axis R of the rotation shaft 12 a.

As is shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 22, and FIG. 24, the image display unit 3is mounted on the endoscope 1A using a linking portion 3 a such thatwhen a thumb T (shown only in FIG. 24) is positioned uppermost and thegripping portion 10 of the endoscope 1A is gripped by a left hand (i.e.,the fingers thereof) H, the image display unit 3 is positioned above thegripping fingers apart from the thumb T and protrudes from a sideportion of the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1A.

A replaceable battery 5 that supplies power to the respective portionsincluding the LED 2 d, the image pickup element 4, and the image displayunit 3 is built into the image display unit 3. As is shown in FIG. 22,the image display unit 3 is provided at such a position that the displayelement 37 is substantially equal in the vertical direction to therotation shaft 12 a of the bending operation lever 20.

Furthermore, a finger piece 3 b protrudes from a side portion of theendoscope 1 where the image display unit 3 is provided. This fingerpiece 3 b is provided at a position where it can be squeezed by an indexfinger (i.e., a finger) F when the gripping portion 10 is gripped by theleft hand H. For example, it can be squeezed by the portion extendingfrom the base of the index finger to the first joint thereof. The imagedisplay unit 3 is integrally provided on the upper side of this fingerpiece 3 b, and an excellent weight balance can be obtained by supportingthe image display unit 3 from below using the index finger F.

The image display unit 3 and the endoscope 1 are mutually connected viaa power supply line 4 b (described below) and the signal line S1 thatpass through a linking portion 3 a.

Next, FIG. 23 shows functional blocks of the endoscope system. As isshown in FIG. 23, this endoscope system is provided with a firstdetecting section 71 that detects whether or not image signals (i.e.,images that have been converted into signals in the image pickup element4) that have been transmitted to the image display unit 3 from the imagepickup element 4 have been input, a second detecting section 72 thatdetects the ON/OFF state of the startup switch 23, and a power supplycontrol circuit (i.e., a control portion) 73 that cuts out the supply ofpower to the LED2 d, the image pickup element 4, the display element 37,and the image recording device 25 and that renders invalid operations ofthe startup switch 23 based on detection results from the firstdetecting section 71 and the second detecting section 72.

In addition, this endoscope system is also provided with a power supplyswitch 74 that is driven by the power supply control circuit 73 andinterrupts the power supply paths (i.e., the power supply lines 27 a and37 a described below) from the battery 5 to the display element 37 andthe display element control circuit 27, a power supply switch 77 that,in the same way, is driven by the power supply control circuit 73 andinterrupts the power supply path (i.e., the power supply line 25 adescribed below) from the battery 5 to the image recording device 25, apower supply switch 75 that, in the same way, is driven by the powersupply control circuit 73 and interrupts the power supply path (i.e.,the power supply line 21 d described below) from the battery 5 to theLED2 d, and a power supply switch 76 that is driven by the power supplycontrol circuit 73 and interrupts the power supply paths (i.e., thepower supply lines 4 b and 26 a described below) from the battery 5 tothe image pickup element 4 and the image pickup element control circuit26.

The power supply line 4 b that supplies power to the image pickupelement 4 is provided between the image pickup element 4 and the battery5, while the power supply line 21 d that supplies power to the LED2 d isprovided between the LED2 d and the battery 5. In the same way, thepower supply line 71 a that supplies power to the first detectingsection 71 is provided between the first detecting section 71 and thebattery 5, the power supply line 26 a that supplies power to the imagepickup element control circuit 26 is provided between the image pickupelement control circuit 26 and the battery 5, the power supply line 27 athat supplies power to the display element control circuit 27 isprovided between the display element control circuit 27 and the battery5, and the power supply line 37 a that supplies power to the displayelement 37 is provided between the display element 37 and the battery 5.

Furthermore, the power supply line 25 a that supplies power to the imagerecording device 25 is provided between the image recording device 25and the battery 5, the power supply line 72 a that supplies power to thesecond detecting section 72 is provided between the second detectingsection 72 and the battery 5, and the power supply line 73 a thatsupplies power to the power supply control circuit 73 is providedbetween the power supply control circuit 73 and the battery 5. The powersupply switch 74 is provided partway along the power supply lines 27 aand 37 a, the power supply switch 75 is provided part way along thepower supply line 21 d, the power supply switch 76 is provided partwayalong the power supply lines 4 b and 26 a, and the power supply line 77is provided partway along the power supply line 25 a.

The signal line S1 that transmits image signals that have been acquiredby the image pickup element 4 to the image pickup element controlcircuit 26 is provided between the image pickup element 4 and the imagepickup element control circuit 26, the signal line S2 that transmitsimage signals that have been input into the image pickup element controlcircuit 26 to the display element control circuit 27 is provided betweenthe image pickup element control circuit 26 and the display elementcontrol circuit 27, and the signal line S3 that inputs image signalsthat have been input into the display element control circuit 27 to thedisplay element 37 is provided between the display element controlcircuit 27 and the display element 37. In addition, the first detectingsection 71 is provided partway along the signal line S2.

The signal line S4 that transmits signals output from the firstdetecting section 71 to the power supply control circuit 73 is providedbetween the power supply control circuit 73 and the first detectingsection 71, while the signal line that S5 transmits signals output fromthe second detecting section 72 to the power supply control circuit 73is provided between the power supply control circuit 73 and the seconddetecting section 72. Moreover, a signal line S6 that transmits to thepower supply switch 74 signals that have been output from the powersupply control circuit 73 in order to interrupt the supply of power tothe display element 37 is provided between the power supply controlcircuit 73 and the power supply switch 74, and a signal line S7 thattransmits to the power supply switch 75 signals that have been outputfrom the power supply control circuit 73 in order to interrupt thesupply of power to the LED2 d is provided between the power supplycontrol circuit 73 and the power supply switch 75.

Furthermore, a signal line S8 that transmits to the power supply switch76 signals that have been output from the power supply control circuit73 in order to interrupt the supply of power to the image pickup element4 is provided between the power supply control circuit 73 and the powersupply switch 76, and a signal line S9 that transmits to the powersupply switch 77 signals that have been output from the power supplycontrol circuit 73 in order to interrupt the supply of power to theimage recording device 72 is provided between the power supply controlcircuit 73 and the power supply switch 77.

A signal line S10 that transmits signals showing the ON/OFF state of thestartup switch 23 is provided between the startup switch 23 and thesecond detecting section 72, while a signal line S11 that transmitsimage signals to the image recording device 25 is provided between theimage pickup element control circuit 26 and the image recording device25. Moreover, a signal line S12 that transmits signals in order to startup or shut down the endoscope system is provided between the powersupply control circuit 73 and the startup switch 23.

In an endoscope system having the above described structure, when theendoscope system is started up by the startup switch 23, the powersupply control circuit 73 firstly closes the power supply switches 74,75, and 76 and secures the respective power supply paths (i.e., thepower supply lines 4 b, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 37 a, and 21 d) to the imagepickup element 4, the image pickup element control circuit 26, thedisplay element control circuit 27, the display element 37, the imagerecording device 25, and the LED2 d.

The power supply control circuit 73 determines whether or not imagesignals have been input from the image pickup element 4 to the imagedisplay unit 3 based on detection results from the first detectingsection 71, and determines whether or not the LED2 d is being driven. Ifthe first detecting section 71 outputs a signal showing a detectionresult that indicates that an image signal has not been input from theimage pickup element 4 to the image display unit 3, the power supplycontrol circuit 73 opens the power supply switches 74 and 75 andinterrupts the power supply paths to the display element control circuit27, the display element 37, the image recording device 25, and the LED2d (i.e., the power supply lines 25 a, 27 a, 37 a, and 21 d), and alsorenders the startup switch 23 invalid.

Next, the power supply control circuit 73 determines whether or not anexternal command to end processing is present, and if this end commandis present, the above described processing is ended. If there is no endcommand, the above described processing is repeated.

Moreover, if the LED2 d is being driven, the power supply controlcircuit 73 determines whether or not operations of the startup switch 23are valid or invalid. If the LED2 d is not being driven, then, in thesame way, the power supply control switch 73 opens the power supplyswitches 74 and 75, interrupts the power supply lines 25 a, 27 a, 37 a,and 21 d, and also renders the startup switch 23 invalid.

Note that even if the operations of the startup switch 23 are valid,because the startup switch 23 has been turned off, namely, is in an OFFstate, the power supply control circuit 73 determines whether thestartup switch 23 is in an ON state or an OFF state based on detectionresults from the second detecting section 72. Here, if the operations ofthe startup switch 23 are invalid, the power supply control circuit 73switches the operations of the startup switch 23 to a valid state.

If the second detecting section 72 outputs a signal showing a detectionresult that indicates that the startup switch 23 is in an ON state, thepower supply control circuit 73 determines whether or not the powersupply switches 74 and 75 are closed. If the second detecting section 72outputs a signal showing a detection result that indicates that thestartup switch 23 is in an OFF state, in the same way as is describedabove, the power supply control circuit 73 opens the power supplyswitches 74 and 75, interrupts the power supply lines 25 a, 27 a, 37 a,and 21 d, and also renders the startup switch 23 invalid.

If the power supply switches 74 and 75 are closed, in the same way as isdescribed above, the power supply control circuit 73 determines whetheror not an external command to end processing is present. If the powersupply switches 74 and 75 are open, then after the power supply controlcircuit 73 has closed the power supply switches 74 and 75 and securedthe power supply lines 25 a, 27 a, 37 a, and 21 d, the processing isended if the end command is present. If, however, no end command ispresent, then in the same way as is described above, the processing todetermine whether or not image signals have been input from the imagepickup element 4 to the image display unit 3 is repeated.

In the endoscope system according to the present embodiment, theendoscope 1 that is provided with the image pickup element 4 that picksup an image of an object is provided integrally with the image displayunit 3 that converts pictures of an object that have been obtained bythe image pickup element 4 into images and then displays these. When athumb T is positioned uppermost and the gripping portion 10 of theendoscope 1A is gripped, the image display unit 3 is attached such thatit is positioned above the gripping fingers apart from the thumb T andprotrudes from a side portion of the operating section 12 of theendoscope 1A. As a result, the weight of the image display unit 3 can besupported by the fingers. Because of this, it is possible toappropriately suppress the effects on the hand gripping the endoscopefrom the force trying to rotate it towards the image display unit 3side, namely, the opposite forces that are trying to twist the wrist. Asa result, an excellent weight balance can be obtained and the load onthe hand during use can be reduced. Moreover, because the image displayunit 3 is supported by the fingers, it is difficult for any wavering orthe like to be generated in the displayed image and the viewability ofan image during an operation is vastly improved. Accordingly, an evengreater increase in operability is obtained.

In addition, in the present embodiment there are provided the endoscope1 that includes the image pickup element 4 that picks up an image of anobject and the operation section 12 that is able to operate theendoscope 1, the finger piece portion 3 b that is provided so as tointersect the longitudinal axis L of the operating section 12, and theimage display unit 3 that is provided integrally with the finger pieceportion 3 b and converts pictures of objects obtained by the imagepickup element 4 into images and then displays them. In this manner,because the image display unit 3 is provided integrally with the fingerpiece portion 3 b, the weight of the image display unit 3 is supportedby the index finger F and an excellent weight balance can be obtained inthe endoscope system.

Furthermore, because the operating section 12 is provided with thebending operation lever 20 that is provided so as to be able to rotatein a vertical direction around the rotation axis R, and the imagedisplay unit 3 is provided at substantially the same position in thevertical direction as the rotation shaft 12 of the bending operationlever 20, it is also possible to suppress opposing forces that mighttwist a wrist from being generated when the bending operation lever 20is being operated as well. Because of this, the stability of theendoscope system that is being held is further increased.

Moreover, because it is possible for an operator to accurately checkboth the finger movement of the operating lever 20 and the images simplyby moving their line of sight and without moving their face, operabilitycan be improved even further.

Note that, in this endoscope system, the battery 5 is provided insidethe image display unit 3, however, as is the case with the endoscopesystem shown in FIG. 25, for example, it is also possible to employ astructure in which the battery 5 is reduced in size and provided insidethe gripping portion 10. This endoscope system differs from the aboveendoscope system only in that the position of the battery 5 isdifferent.

By employing this structure, because the thickness and size of the imagedisplay unit 3 can be reduced even further, and because the battery 5which is comparatively heavy is positioned right next to thelongitudinal axis L of the endoscope, it is possible to even moreeffectively prevent the occurrence of opposing forces that might twist awrist.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference made to FIG. 26 through FIG. 31. Note that component elementsthat have previously been described in the above embodiments are giventhe same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.

As is shown in FIG. 26 through FIG. 29, instead of the LED 2 d there isprovided the light source apparatus 2 that generates a larger quantityof irradiation light to illuminate an object. The light source apparatus2 is provided integrally with the endoscope 1 so as to protrude towardsthe symmetrically opposite side from the image display unit 3 with thelongitudinal axis of the endoscope 1 sandwiched in between.

As is shown in FIG. 26, FIG. 27, and FIG. 31, the image display unit 3is mounted on the endoscope 1 using a linking portion 3 a such that whena thumb T is pointing upwards and the gripping portion 10 of theendoscope 1 is gripped by a left hand H, the image display unit 3 ispositioned above the gripping fingers apart from the thumb T andprotrudes from a side portion of the operating section 12 of theendoscope 1.

Control to reduce power consumption that is carried out in an endoscopesystem having the above described structure will now be described usingthe flow chart shown in FIG. 30.

When the endoscope system is started up by the startup switch 23, thepower supply control circuit 73 firstly closes the power supply switches74, 75, and 76 and secures the respective power supply paths (i.e., thepower supply lines 4 b, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 31 a, and 37 a) to the imagepickup element 4, the image pickup element control circuit 26, thedisplay element control circuit 27, the display element 37, the imagerecording device 25, and the light source apparatus 2 (step ST1).

The power supply control circuit 73 determines whether or not imagesignals have been input from the image pickup element 4 to the imagedisplay unit 3 based on detection results from the first detectingsection 71 (step ST2)

In step ST2, even if the first detecting section 71 outputs a signalshowing a detection result that indicates that an image signal has beeninput from the image pickup element 4 to the image display unit 3, theremay still be cases in which the power supply cable 6 is not connected tothe light source apparatus 2. Therefore, the power supply controlcircuit 73 determines whether or not the light source apparatus 2 isbeing driven (step ST3).

In step ST2, if the first detecting section 71 outputs a signal showinga detection result that indicates that an image signal has not beeninput from the image pickup element 4 to the image display unit 3, thepower supply control circuit 73 opens the power supply switches 74 and75 and interrupts the power supply paths to the display element controlcircuit 27, the display element 37, the image recording device 25, andthe light source apparatus 2 (i.e., the power supply lines 25 a, 27 a,31 a, and 37 a) (step ST4), and also renders the startup switch 23invalid (step ST5). Next, the power supply control circuit 73 determineswhether or not an external command to end processing is present (stepST6), and if this end command is present, the above described processingis ended. If there is no end command, the routine returns to step ST2and the above described processing is repeated.

In step ST3, if the light source apparatus 2 is being driven (i.e., ifthe cable 6 is connected), the power supply control circuit 73determines whether or not operations of the startup switch 23 are validor invalid (step ST7). If, in step ST3, the light source apparatus 2 isnot being driven (i.e., if the cable 6 is not connected), the powersupply control switch 73 moves to the above described step ST4.

In step ST7, even if the operations of the startup switch 23 are valid,because the startup switch 23 has been turned off, namely, is in an OFFstate, the power supply control circuit 73 determines whether thestartup switch 23 is in an ON state or an OFF state based on detectionresults from the second detecting section 72 (step ST8). In step ST7, ifthe operations of the startup switch 23 are invalid, the power supplycontrol circuit 73 switches the operations of the startup switch 23 to avalid state (step ST9) and then moves to step ST8.

In step ST8, if the second detecting section 72 outputs a signal showinga detection result that indicates that the startup switch 23 is in an ONstate, the power supply control circuit 73 determines whether or not thepower supply switches 74 and 75 are closed (step ST10). In step ST8, ifthe second detecting section 72 outputs a signal showing a detectionresult that indicates that the startup switch 23 is in an OFF state,then the power supply control circuit 73 moves to the above describedstep ST4.

In step ST10, if the power supply switches 74 and 75 are closed, thenthe power supply control circuit 73 moves to the above described stepST6. If, however, in step ST10, the power supply switches 74 and 75 areopen, then after the power supply control circuit 73 has closed thepower supply switches 74 and 75 and secured the supply of power to thedisplay element control circuit 27, the display element 37, the imagerecording device 25, and the light source apparatus 2 (i.e., the powersupply lines 25 a, 27 a, 37 a, and 21 d) (step ST11), the routine movesto step ST6 and the processing is ended if an end command is present.If, however, no end command is present, then the routine returns to stepST2 and the above described processing is repeated.

In the above described endoscope system, if signals have not been inputfrom the image pickup element 4 to the image display unit 3, thenunnecessary power consumption can be prevented by not supplying power tothe display element 37, by not supplying power to the light sourceapparatus 2, and by rendering operations of the startup switch 23invalid. As a result, an extended period of use is possible even if asmall size battery is installed in order to improve portability.

In the endoscope system according to the present embodiment, the lightsource apparatus 2 that illuminates an object is provided integrallywith the endoscope so as to protrude towards the symmetrically oppositeside from the image display unit 3 with the longitudinal axis L of theendoscope 1B sandwiched in between. In this manner, by mounting thelight source apparatus 2 and the image display unit 3, which are bothcomparatively heavy component elements, in symmetrical positionsrelative to each other on either side of the longitudinal axis L, thecenter of gravity of the endoscope system can be placed in a closerposition to the central axis, and a more suitable equilibrium can beobtained for the left-right weight balance of the endoscope system. As aresult, this endoscope system is easy to operate over an extended periodof time.

Sixth Embodiment

The sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference made to FIG. 32 through FIG. 37. Note that component elementsthat have previously been described in the above embodiments are giventhe same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.

As is shown in FIG. 32 to FIG. 34, the principal component elements ofthe endoscope system of the present embodiment are an endoscope 1, alight source apparatus 2 that generates illumination light to illuminatean object, and an image display unit 3 (i.e., an observation section)that creates an image from the image of the object obtained by theendoscope 1 (i.e., from an observed image) and displays this createdimage.

A connecting portion 81 that is shaped like a truncated cone thatnarrows as it approaches the insertion portion 11 is provided at one endof the gripping portion 10 and is connected to a base end portion 11 dof the insertion portion 11. In addition, of the portion where the oneend of the gripping portion 10 is in contact with the connecting portion81, a setting down portion 80 is formed on the side thereof where thedistal end portion 20 a of the bending operation lever 20 is provided.

The image display unit 3 is substantially shaped as a rectangularparallelepiped and is removable provided at the other end of theoperation portion 12. It is fitted onto the other end of the operationsection 12 at least while an observation is being made.

A display element 37 such as an LCD or the like that converts observedpictures of an object into images and then displays them is provided inthe image display unit 3 so that the display surface is exposed to theoutside. The display surface of the display element 37 is a screen thathas a larger surface area than the image pickup element 4 and thecondensing lens 4 a and the like in order that it is always easilyviewed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display element 37 isprovided on that surface of the rectangular parallelepiped that makes upthe image display unit 3 that has the greatest surface area. Thissurface is large enough to cover a cross section orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the operating section 12. Accordingly, as is shownin FIG. 32, when the image display element 3 is fixed such that thedirection faced by the display element 37 is substantially parallel tothe direction of the optical axis of the endoscope 1, then the imagedisplay unit 3 and the operating section 12 form a T-shape irrespectiveof which direction intersecting the optical axis they are viewed from.

As is shown in FIG. 35, the startup switch 23 that starts up theendoscope system, the connector 82 (i.e., a connector component), and afoot portion 83 are provided on an external side of the image displayunit 3.

The connector 82 is used to connect the power supply cable 6 which is anexternal cable and the collection cable 7 which is an external cable(described below) to the image display unit 3. In addition, theconnector 82 is provided so as to protrude above a display unit bottomsurface 38 that is located below the screen of the display element 37,and is bent in an L-shape such that the power supply cable 6 and thecollection cable 7 can be guided towards the outer side in thehorizontal direction of the display unit bottom surface 38.

A connector setting down portion 82 a (i.e., a setting down portion)where the height to which the connector 82 protrudes from the displayunit bottom surface 38 in the vicinity of the bend portion is at itsgreatest is provided in the connector 82. Because of this, if the imagedisplay unit 3 or the endoscope 1 including the image display unit 3 isput down such that the display unit bottom surface 38 is facing asuitable setting down surface, then at least a portion of the connectorsetting down portion 82 a is in contact with this setting down surface.As a result, the power supply cable 6 and the collection cable 7 areguided in a horizontal direction between the setting down surface andthe display unit bottom surface 38.

Note that the connector 82 may be fixed to the image display unit 3, orit may be removably connected to the image display unit 3. In addition,in order to provide a smooth set down and to prevent slippages, it ispreferable that at least the connector setting down portion 82 a iscovered by synthetic rubber or a soft synthetic resin.

In addition, the connector 82 is formed in an L-shape such that thepower supply cable 6 and the collection cable 7 do not get in the waywhen the image display unit 3 is put down. However, this structure alsohas the advantage that, in the state shown in FIG. 32, when the bendingoperation lever 20 is turned towards the operator and the operator gripsthe gripping portion 10 while operating the bending operation lever 20,the power supply cable 6 and the collection cable 7 protrude towards theoperator and do not obstruct operations.

The foot portion 83 is a projection that protrudes above the displayunit bottom surface 38 at a suitable distance from the connector 82. Afoot portion setting down surface 83 a (i.e., a setting down portion) isformed in this protrusion direction. The height to which the footportion setting down surface 83 a protrudes from the display unit bottomsurface 38 is substantially the same as the height of the connectorsetting down portion 82 a.

Note that, in the foot portion 83, in order to provide a smooth set downand to prevent slippages, it is preferable that at least the footportion setting down surface 83 a is covered by synthetic rubber or asoft synthetic resin.

Moreover, in the drawings, the foot portion setting down surface 83 a isformed as a flat surface and the foot portion 83 is formed in a columnarshape, however, this is just one example and, provided that there is aprojection from the display unit bottom surface 38, then otherconfigurations may also be used. For example, the foot portion 83 may beformed in a cone shape and a point-shaped setting down portion may beformed by the apex thereof so that the setting down location is fixed.Neither is it essential for the setting down portion to have a planarshape.

As is shown in FIG. 32, a bracket 1 b is provided on a top portion ofthe endoscope 1, and brackets 3 a are provided at a bottom portion ofthe image display unit 3. These brackets 1 b and 3 a are fastened byfastening bolts 8. The orientation of the screen of the image displayunit 3 can be tilted towards the bending operation lever 20 side byloosening the bolts 8 if this is required during an operation or anobservation, and the screen can then be fixed in a desired positionwithin the range of movement by then refastening the bolts 8.

As has been described above, in the endoscope 1, the image display unit3 is provided at an end portion of the operating section 12 and variouscomponents are provided on the outer circumferential surface. Inaddition, the power supply cable 6 and the collection cable 7 are alsoconnected. As a result, if the endoscope 1 is placed casually on adesktop or the like, there is a possibility that the image display unit3 will receive a shock, or that the delicate components will be damagedor receive a shock, or that a load will be applied to the cables.Alternatively, there is a possibility that the operating lever andoperating switches will malfunction. Moreover, in some case theendoscope may fall off after being placed in an unstable manner.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid situationslike those described above by putting down the endoscope such that thethree setting down portions, i.e., the connector 82, the foot portion83, and the setting down portion 80 are set down on a setting downsurface.

In the present embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the imagedisplay unit 3 is fixed such that the image display unit 3 and theoperating section 12 form a T shape. In this state, the connector 82 andthe foot portion 83 that protrude from the display unit bottom surface38 are positioned on the outer side in the radial direction of theoperating section 12. In addition, the endoscope 1 placed on a settingdown surface 84 with the connector setting down portion 82 a and thefoot portion setting down surface 83 a facing towards the setting downsurface 84.

Consequently, as is shown in FIG. 37, the connector setting down portion82 a and foot portion setting down surface 83 a as well as the settingdown portion 80 that is located on the same side as these two are incontact with the setting down surface 84. These positions that are setdown on the setting down surface 84 are separated from each other on thesetting down surface 84 and are also not on the same straight line. As aresult, a triangle Tr (refer to FIG. 36) that joins the three is formed.Namely, the three setting down portions are placed in a triangle.

Accordingly, by providing the triangle Tr within such a range that thecenter of gravity of the image display unit 3 and the endoscope 1excluding the insertion portion 11 falls within a triangle-shaped range,the image display unit 3 and endoscope 1 can be placed stably on thesetting down surface 84 without them rolling off or being unsteady.

Here, because only a portion of these setting down portions is incontact with the setting down surface 84, and, moreover, because thesetting down area is extremely small in proportion to the area of thetriangular placement, it is possible to regard the contact as beinganalogous to a point contact. Because of this, the support isessentially a three-point support so that even if, for example, a smallamount of unevenness is present in the setting down surface 84, theimage display unit 3 and endoscope 1 can be placed stably.

In contrast, in the frontal view shown in FIG. 37, the connector settingdown portion 82 a and the foot portion setting down portion 83 aprotrude from the display unit bottom surface 38 that is positioned atone end in the extension direction of the image display unit 3 whichextends so as to form a T shape together with the operating section 12.As a result, the operating section 12 is tilted relative to the settingdown surface 84 and a schematic right-angle triangle-shaped gap isformed between the operating section 12 and the setting down surface 84.Accordingly, the components such as, for example, the bending operationlever 20 and the bracket 1 b that are provided on an outer circumferenceof the operating section 12 are not in contact with the setting downsurface 84. Accordingly, such components do not strike against thesetting down surface 84 and become damaged, or receive shocks, ormalfunction. Because of this, it is possible to improve the reliabilityof the endoscope 1. Moreover, because an operator does not need toexercise special caution over the placement of the endoscope 1 or thelocation where the endoscope is placed, the usability of the endoscopeis greatly improved. The particular advantage is gained that thisendoscope system is portable and can be carried around and favorablyused in a variety of locations.

Moreover, by setting the space that is created between the operatingsection 12 and the setting down surface 84 to a suitable size, as isshown in FIG. 37, a space for gripping the gripping portion 10 using ahand 85 can be provided resulting in it being extremely easy to holdwhen the endoscope is picked up from a surface.

Note that the above description is of an example in which a set downportion is provided in two locations in the observation section and inone location in the operating section. If the observation portion isformed by the image display unit 3, as is the case in the presentembodiment, and the observation section is comparatively large andheavy, then this type of placement is rational. However, the placementpositions and the number thereof are not limited to these. Depending onthe shape and mounting position and the like of the observation sectionand the operation section, it is also possible for all three to belocated on one of the observation section and the operation section. Forexample, in cases such as when the observation section is formed by asmall and lightweight eyepiece optical system, then it is possible foreither one or no setting down portion to be provided in the observationsection.

Moreover, the above description is of an example in which the connector82 and the foot portion 83 protrude from the display unit bottom surface38. In this case, when it is set down, the image on the display unit 37can be viewed in an upright state, however, if the only intention is toplace the apparatus stably on a setting down surface, then provided thata triangular placement is possible, it is unimportant where it islocated on the image display unit 3 and the location is not restrictedto the display unit bottom surface 38.

Moreover, the above description is of an example in which, because nocomponent that should not come into contact with the setting downsurface 84 is present in the vicinity of the setting down portion 80 onthe operating section side, the outer circumferential surface itself ofthe operating section can be used for the setting down portion. However,in cases such as when the vicinity of the setting down portion needs tobe raised above the setting down surface or such as when the outercircumferential surface of the operating section or observation sectionmust be protected, then it should be understood that it is also possibleto provide a setting down portion that protrudes to an appropriatedistance above the outer circumferential surface.

Furthermore, the above description is of an example in which the powersupply cable 6 and the collection cable 7 extend from one end of theconnector 82, however, it is also possible for the connector componentand the external cables to be removably connected.

Moreover, the connector component is not limited to one to whichexternal cables are always connected.

For example, it is also possible to provide a connection port so thatthe external cables can be disconnected when the apparatus is set downand connected when an operation or observation is being performed. Inthis case, a structure can be employed in which a cap component made ofsynthetic rubber or soft synthetic resin or the like that covers thesetting down portion is removably fitted or else a configuration such asthe foot potion 83 can be provided so that the connection port is notdamaged when the apparatus is set down.

Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be describedusing FIG. 38 through 57. Note that component elements that havepreviously been described in the above embodiments are given the samesymbols and a description thereof is omitted.

As is shown in FIG. 38 through FIG. 40, the principal component elementsof the endoscope system of the present embodiment are the endoscope 1, alight source apparatus 2 that generates illumination light forilluminating an object, and an image display unit 3 (i.e., a displaydevice) that creates an image (i.e., an observation image) from theimage of the object obtained by the endoscope 1 and displays thiscreated image. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions in FIG. 38 are threeaxes that are perpendicular to each other, and, for the sake ofconvenience, directions may be referred to using these X, Y, and Zdirections.

As is shown in FIG. 38, in the endoscope 1, an optical path from animage guide 11 b that is placed inside the insertion portion 11 to theimage pickup element 4 may be folded if this is appropriate, however, inthe present embodiment, the condenser lens 4 a and the image pickupelement 4 are placed on an optical axis 60.

On one end side of the operating section 12 the gripping portion 10 isconnected to the base end portion 11 d of the insertion portion 11,while a display unit mounting portion 86 that is used to mount the imagedisplay unit 3 (described below) is provided at the other end side(i.e., on the top side in FIG. 38) that is adjacent to the bendingoperation lever 20. A display unit receiving surface 87 (refer to FIG.41 and FIG. 42) that is used to receive the image display unit 3 in adirection that is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis 60 isprovided at an end surface (i.e., on the top side in FIG. 38) of thedisplay unit mounting portion 86. A convex portion 88 is provided at abottom portion on an opposite side from the end surface of the displayunit mounting portion 86.

As is shown in FIG. 38, on the external side of the image display unit 3there are provided a startup switch 23 that is used to start up theendoscope system, a connector 82 that connects the power supply cable 6which is an external cable and the collection cable 7 which is anexternal cable (described below) to the image display unit 3, a footportion 83, and brackets 3 a (i.e., support portions).

The connector 82 is provided so as to protrude above the display unitbottom surface 38 which is positioned below the screen of the displayelement 37, and is bent in an L shape such that the power supply cable 6and the collection cable 7 can be guided to the external side in ahorizontal direction of the display unit bottom surface 38. The footportion 83 is a projection that protrudes above the display unit bottomsurface 38 at an appropriate distance from the connector 82. Thebrackets 3 a protrude from a display unit rear surface 39 whichcorresponds to the rear surface side of the display screen of thedisplay element 37, and supporting shafts 8 each protrude towards theoutside through a pair of parallel plates that are positioned in thevicinity of the display unit bottom surface 38. The brackets 3 a and 3 aare separated by a large enough space to allow the display unit mountingportion 86 to be sandwiched between them. From the distal end side of asupporting shaft 8 are formed in this order a threaded portion 8 a and ashaft portion 8 b (refer to FIG. 46) and the two shaft portions 8 b arepositioned so as to have the same axis.

A bracket 1 b (i.e., a supporting portion) that can be fitted andremoved is provided on the display unit mounting portion 86, and asupporting portion is formed that is able to rotatably support the imagedisplay unit 3 as a result of the brackets 3 a and 3 a being rotatablyengaged with the bracket 1 b.

FIG. 41, FIG. 42, and FIG. 43 are a left side view, a plan view, and afrontal view illustrating the supporting portion of the presentembodiment. Unlike FIG. 38, a state in which the display element 37 isrotated such that it can be viewed front on from the X direction shownin FIG. 38 is represented by the solid line. The placement of the imagedisplay unit 3 in FIG. 38 is shown by the double dot chain line in FIG.41.

The bracket 1 b is formed substantially in a U shape when seen in planview such that it can be engaged at the side surfaces of the displayunit mounting portion 86. Shaft holes 1 c (refer to FIG. 46) that can befitted smoothly together with the shaft portions 8 b are provided atboth distal end portions of the open side of the U shape. Moreover, asis shown in FIG. 41, L-shaped grooves 1 d that are open in a horizontaldirection and whose innermost portion then curves in a verticaldirection are provided in each side surface of the open side of the Ushape. The L-shaped grooves 1 d engage with an engaging shaft 86 a thatprotrudes from the display unit mounting portion 86. In addition, abottom end portion of the bracket 1 b (refer to FIG. 41) engages fromabove as is shown in the drawing with the convex portion 88 of thedisplay unit mounting portion 86 so that movement downwards isrestricted and so that, consequently, there is no rotation around theengaging shaft 86 a. A male thread is formed on distal ends of theengaging shaft 86 a and fixing components 89 that can be screwed ontothe male thread can be removably attached. As a result, after thebracket 1 b has been installed on the display unit mounting portion 86,it can be fixed in place by the fixing members 89. If required, thebracket 1 b can also be later removed.

As is shown in FIG. 44, in order to mount the bracket 1 b on the displayunit mounting portion 86, the engaging shaft 86 a is inserted throughthe aperture side in the engaging groove 1 d, the bracket 1 b is thenmoved in the horizontal direction shown in the drawings and is thenpushed vertically downwards through the groove in the innermost portionof the engaging groove 1 d, so as to be engaged with the display unitmounting portion 86 (refer to FIG. 45). The image display unit 3 isstably anchored by its own weight in this attitude on the display unitreceiving surface 87 (refer to FIG. 44). Movement in a horizontaldirection is also restricted by the groove on the inner side of theengaging groove 1 d.

Accordingly, in this state, because there is no shift in the state ofengagement of the image display unit 3 even if the gripping portion 10is tilted, the advantage is obtained that the fixing components 89 canbe screwed on with ease. Moreover, when the image display unit 3 isbeing removed, because it is not possible to remove it without undoingthe fixing components 89 and then gripping the image display unit 3 andmoving it along the engaging groove 1 d, the advantage is obtained that,even if the fixing components 89 are undone, it is still possible toprevent the image display unit 3 from falling spontaneously due to itsown weight or the like. Furthermore, even if the fixing components 89are fixed only loosely by mistake, it is still difficult for the imagedisplay unit 3 to drop.

As regards the direction in which the bracket 1 b is mounted, the centeraxis of the shaft hole 1 c is positioned in a direction that intersectsthe longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 10. In the presentembodiment, the direction is approximately 90 degrees to the opticalaxis 60, and is also substantially parallel with the shaft 12 a which isthe rotation shaft of the bending operation lever 20.

As is shown in FIG. 46, the brackets 3 a and the bracket 1 b are fixedby inserting the supporting shaft 8 into the shaft holes 1 c sandwichingin this order a washer 92, a rubber plate 93, and a washer 92. A washer92 is then placed over the threaded portion 8 a as it protrudes from theshaft hole 1 c and nuts 91 are then screwed onto the threaded portion 8a. Accordingly, the display unit 3 is able to rotate around a rotationshaft that is restricted by the supporting shaft 8 and the shaft hole isthat are positioned coaxially.

The force used to fasten the nuts 91 is sufficiently large to suitablycompress the rubber plate 93. The elastic repulsion force of the rubberplate 93 is adjusted so that the friction force in the rotationdirection of the bracket 1 b relative to the brackets 3 a is a suitablevalue. As a result, the image display unit 3 can be held stationary at adesired position in the rotation direction by this friction force.However, it is also possible for the nuts 91 to be fastened tight whenthe image display unit 3 has been rotated to a particular position, andfor them to be loosened when the orientation of the image display unit 3is to be changed. In this case, it is preferable that an easily usedstructure is employed such as providing levers or knobs where these arerequired.

In an endoscope system that is structured in the manner described above,the image display unit 3 is provided such that it can be attached to orremoved from the display unit mounting portion 86 via the bracket 1 b.Accordingly, when the endoscope system is being transported the imagedisplay unit 3 can be removed so that the system is stored at a compactsize. Moreover, during operations and observations, observations can bemade within reach of the operator by installing the image display unit 3in the operating section 12.

In the initial stage of an operation, in order to make it possible forthe image display unit 3 to be transported in a compact size, as isshown by the double dot chain line in FIG. 41, the image display unit 3can be pushed over such that the display unit rear surface 39 is incontact with the display unit receiving surface 87. This is the samestate as that shown in FIG. 38. This state will now be described as thereference position of a rotation angle of 0 degrees. In this state, thedisplay screen of the display element 37 is placed substantiallyorthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 10 andis placed favorably for an operator to make an observation from the Zdirection in FIG. 38.

When gripping the gripping portion 10 and operating the bendingoperation lever 20, the manner in which the gripping portion 10 isgripped may be changed in accordance with requirements, however, as isshown in FIG. 38, gripping the gripping portion 10 using the fourfingers while the thumb is facing towards the display unit mountingportion 86 side and the flat part of the thumb is pressed against thedistal end portion 20 a provides the greatest ease of operation. At thistime, if the thumb is made to face upwards as is shown in the drawingand the gripping portion 10 is gripped in front of the operator, thenthe body of the operator ends up facing in the X direction in thedrawings. In this case, because the operator must lower their head andlook at the display element 37 from above (i.e., in the Z direction inFIG. 38), there is a possibility of the operator's neck becomingfatigued before the observation has ended.

In the present embodiment, in cases such as this, as is shown in FIG.41, it is possible to rotate the image display unit 3 in the directionof the arrow by, for example, 90 degrees, and make the display screen ofthe display element 37 face towards the operator. Because the displayscreen is made to face directly towards the operator as a result ofthis, it is in an easily visible position. Namely, the operator is ableto observe from the X direction in a comfortable forward-facing posturewithout bending their neck. Accordingly, the operator can adopt aposture that prevents them from becoming tired even if the observationtakes considerable time.

The angle of rotation from the reference position is not limited to 90degrees and may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle where this isnecessary. For example, if the insertion portion 11 side is made to faceforwards in the X direction from the state shown in FIG. 38 and istilted 45 degrees from the vertical axis and then gripped, then if theimage display unit 3 is rotated 45 degrees towards the operator, thedisplay screen faces directly towards the operator in the same way as isdescribed above. Accordingly, it has an easily viewed orientation.Moreover, if the operator is able to easily view the display screen,then it is not essential for the display screen to be oriented so as toface directly towards the operator. For example, if the orientation isset to an angle that causes less surface reflection on the displayscreen, or, if a liquid crystal screen is being used, to an easilyviewed angle such as one that is within an appropriate angle ofvisibility, then even if the display screen is tilted away from a directfrontal direction, the orientation still provides good visibility.However, it is preferable that the angle of rotation can be suitablyrestricted in order, for example, to prevent the center of gravity ofthe endoscope system shifting due to the rotation of the image displayunit 3 and it consequently becoming difficult to obtain a good grip.

In the present embodiment, a rotation restricting portion 1 e isprovided that cuts across the end portions of the open side of thebracket 1 b in the direction of the optical axis 60. When the imagedisplay unit 3 is rotated 90 degrees, an engaging portion 90 that isprovided on the display unit rear surface 39 side engages with therotation restricting portion 1 e and prevents any further rotation. Byaltering the configurations of the rotation restricting portion 1 e andthe engaging portion 90, the limit of the angle of rotation that isbeing restricted can be suitably altered.

Due to the structure of the wrist joint and the like, when gripping theoperating section 12 as is described above, a range of rotation whosecenter is the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 10 iscomparatively narrow. Moreover, during actual use, in order to makeobservation easier, it is almost always necessary for an operator tochange their grip so as to change the orientation of the longitudinaldirection of the gripping portion 10. In the present embodiment, whenthe display screen is held using the above described grip, theorientation of the display screen can be rotated in a direction thatintersects the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 10 and thedisplay screen can be rotated towards the operator. Therefore, in mostcases, the display screen can be made to face in an easily vieweddirection. Accordingly, compared with when the display screen cannot berotated, there is a huge improvement in operability.

Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

In this modification, instead of the bracket 1 b of the above describedembodiment, a bracket 95 (i.e., a supporting portion) is provided, andtwo plate-shaped arms 96 (i.e., arm components) that are provided with ashaft hole 96 c the same as the shaft hole 1 c at an end portion in thelongitudinal direction thereof are provided between the brackets 3 a andthe bracket 95. Elements of this modification that are different fromthose in the above described embodiment are mainly described below.

The brackets 3 a differ from the above described embodiment in that,instead of the supporting shaft 8, they have a supporting shaft 9 a(i.e., a second rotation supporting portion) that fits smoothly in theshaft holes 96 c.

As is shown in FIG. 48, the bracket 95 is formed substantially in a Ushape when seen in plan view such that it can be engaged at the sidesurfaces of the display unit mounting portion 86. Moreover, as is shownin FIG. 49, supporting shafts (i.e., first rotation supporting portions)9 b are provided on the same axis as each other on the bend side of theU shape on the two side surfaces that form the opening of the U shape.The supporting shafts 9 b are shaft components that fit smoothly intoshaft holes that are provided in end portions of the arms 96, and thesame structure may be employed for these as is employed, for example,for the supporting shaft 8.

The bracket 95 is fixed by a suitable device to the display unitmounting portion 86. For example, as in the above described embodiment,an engaging groove may be provided in the bracket 95 and an engagingshaft provided in the display unit mounting portion 86 thereby forming afixing component for fixing the bracket 95. It is also possible toprovide a threaded portion in the display unit mounting portion 86 andto fix the bracket 95 using bolts.

The arms 96 are connected such that the shaft holes 96 c can rotatearound the respective supporting shafts 9 a and 9 b. A rotationstructure such as that shown in FIG. 46 can be employed for this,however, provided that rotation is possible, it is also possible foranother rotation mechanism to be employed.

According to this type of structure, as is shown in FIG. 49, bypositioning the arms 96 on the side surfaces of the brackets 95 suchthat they extend from the supporting shafts 9 b diagonally towards theopen side of the U shape, the image display unit 3 can be positioned ina compact manner substantially directly above the display unit mountingportion 86 with the display unit rear surface 39 in contact with the topof the display unit receiving surface 87.

Taking this state as a reference position, in order to rotate thedisplay element 37 90 degrees towards the operator, firstly, as is shownin FIG. 50, the arms 96 are rotated anticlockwise as seen in the drawingaround the supporting shafts 9 b and made to stand upright. As a resultof this movement, the display unit rear surface 39 is able to move awayfrom the display unit receiving surface 87.

Next, as is shown in FIG. 51, with the arms 96 left stationary, theimage display unit 3 is rotated clockwise as seen in the drawing aroundthe supporting shafts 9 a. If the image display unit 3 is rotated 90degrees, the display unit bottom surface 38 is placed in contact withthe display unit receiving surface 87 and no further rotation ispossible.

At this time, because the supporting shafts 9 a are rotated while havingbeen moved to the bend side of the U shape in the bracket 95, thisrotation is executed in a space located above the display unit mountingportion 86. Because of this, the image display unit 3 can be positionedsubstantially directly above the display unit mounting portion 86 evenwhen it is in contact with the display unit receiving surface 87.Namely, as in the case shown in FIG. 41, the image display unit 3 can bemoved in a direction away from the optical axis 60 and prevented frommoving into a space outside the display unit mounting portion 86.

In this manner, according to the present modification, the center ofrotation is divided into two using the two parallel supporting shafts 9a and 9 b, and after the supporting shafts 9 b have been moved using thecenter of rotation of the supporting shafts 9 a, the image display unit3 can be rotated using a second rotation that is centered on thesupporting shafts 9 b. As a result, the placement and positioning of theimage display unit 3 becomes comparatively free. Because of this, theadvantage is obtained that compact placement is made possible. Moreover,by adjusting the movement position of the image display unit 3, movementof the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis60 is lessened. As a result, the advantage is obtained that it ispossible to grip the endoscope in a stable manner and the endoscope iseasy to hold and easy to operate. It is beneficial if this arm componentis provided with an extendible and retractable structure as thestructure can then be made more compact and the degree of freedom whenplacing the image display unit 3 can also be raised.

An arm 100 which is a first modification of an arm component will now bedescribed.

As is shown in FIG. 52, the arm 100 is formed by a sliding arm 101 and afixed arm 102.

The sliding arm 101 has a shaft hole 101 c formed at one end portion inthe longitudinal direction thereof that is rotatably engaged with asupporting shaft 9 a. A sliding shaft 101 b protrudes from the other endportion and guide portions 101 a that extend outwards in the directionin which the sliding shaft 101 b protrudes are provided at the left andright in the longitudinal direction of the sliding arm 101.

The fixed arm 102 extends substantially in a U shape and a shaft hole102 b that rotatably engages with a supporting shaft 9 b is provided inthe curved portion of the U shape. A groove portion 102 a thatsandwiches the sliding shaft 101 b is provided in the inner part of theU shape. Wave-shaped corrugated portions 103 that are made from aresilient component such as a plate spring and in which the corrugationsface each other are provided in the groove portion 102 a on the innersurfaces of the U shape of the fixed arm 102.

As a result, when the sliding shaft 101 b is sandwiched in the grooveportion 102 a, the sliding shaft 101 b can be held stationary at anappropriate position on the corrugations.

The transverse width of the fixed arm 102 fits inside the width formedby the guide portions 101 a (refer to FIG. 54) and the sliding arm 101is able to slide in the longitudinal direction.

A convex portion 102 c that is in contact with the display unit mountingportion 86 is provided on the shaft hole 102 b side of the fixed arm102. Accordingly, a gap is formed for the sliding arm 101 to besandwiched between the fixed arm 102 and a side surface of the displayunit mounting portion 86.

As is shown in FIG. 53, according to this type of arm 100, when theimage display unit 3 is in a fixed state, it is possible to slide thesliding arm 101 in the longitudinal direction thereof inside the fixedarm 102 and fix its length at an appropriate holding position on thecorrugated portions 103.

Accordingly, when moving the image display unit 3, the image displayunit 3 can be moved easily by extending the arm 100, while when fixingthe position of image display unit 3, the arm 100 can be retracted tothe required length. As a result, the advantage is obtained that theimage display unit 3 can be stored in a compact manner. Moreover,because the sliding shaft 101 b is fixed by being nipped by thecorrugated portions 103, it is not necessary for any task such as, forexample, tightening screws to be performed. Therefore, the advantage isobtained that the length can be easily adjusted.

An arm 104 which is a second modification of an arm component will nowbe described.

As is shown in FIG. 55, the arm 104 is formed by a sliding arm 105 and afixed arm 105. The sliding arm 105 has a shaft hole 105 a provided atone end portion in the longitudinal direction thereof that is rotatablyengaged with a supporting shaft 9 a, and a slide hole 105 b that isprovided in a center portion thereof and extends in the longitudinaldirection.

The fixed arm 106 has a shaft hole 106 c provided at one end in thelongitudinal direction thereof that rotatably engages with a supportingshaft 9 b, while a sliding shaft 106 a that smoothly engages in theslide hole 105 b of the sliding arm 105 and that can have a fixing nut107 screwed onto its distal end protrudes from the other end portion ofthe fixed arm 106. Guide portions 106 b that extend outwards in thedirection in which the sliding shaft 106 a protrudes are provided at theleft and right in the longitudinal direction of the fixed arm 106.

The width formed by the guide portions 106 b of the fixed arm 106 islarge enough to allow the transverse width of the sliding arm 105 to beable to slide along when it is fitted inside it (refer to FIG. 57).

As is shown in FIG. 56, according to this type of arm 104, when theimage display unit 3 is in a fixed state, then when the sliding shaft106 a has been inserted inside the slide hole 105 b, the sliding arm 105is held such that it is able to slide in the longitudinal direction ofthe fixed arm 106. By screwing the fixing nut 107 onto the sliding shaft106 a, the sliding arm 105 can be fixed at an appropriate length.Accordingly, when moving the image display unit 3, the image displayunit 3 can be moved easily by extending the arm 104, while when fixingthe position of image display unit 3, the arm 104 can be retracted tothe required length. As a result, the advantage is obtained that theimage display unit 3 can be stored in a compact manner. Moreover,because the sliding shaft 106 a is fixed by screwing on the fixing nut107, the length of the arm 104 can be reliably fixed. The advantage isthus obtained that the structure is highly resistant to impact.

Note that in the above description an example is described in which thedirection of the center of rotation of the image display unit 3 isparallel with the direction of the shaft around which the bendingoperation lever 20 is rotated, however, provided that the image displayunit 3 can be rotated to a direction where it can be easily viewed by anoperator, then a center of rotation that is not parallel with therotation shaft of the bending operation lever 20 may be used.

Moreover, in the above description an example is described in which theapparatus has a rod-shaped operating section and the direction in whichthe operating section extends is the same as the longitudinal directionof the gripping portion. In this apparatus, the center of rotation ofthe supporting portion is a direction that is orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction of the gripping portion. However, any change inthe orientation of the display screen achieved by changing the attitudeof the grip is only relative to the longitudinal direction of thegripping portion and whether or not the entire operating section is rodshaped is irrelevant. Therefore, the shape of the operating section isnot limited to being a rod shape.

Furthermore, in the above description of the modification, an example isdescribed in which the angle of rotation of the image display unit 3 is90 degrees, however, this is only an example, and any angle may be used.

Furthermore, in the above description of the modification, in order tosimplify the explanation the L-shaped connector 82 and foot portion 83are not shown in FIG. 47 through FIG. 51, however, the connector 82 andfoot portion 83 can be positioned on the left and right side of thedisplay unit bottom surface 38 as seen in FIG. 48 such that they do notinterfere with the display unit mounting portion 86.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary ofthe invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions,omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by theforegoing description and is only limited by the scope of the appendedclaims.

The endoscope system of the present invention can be favorably used notonly in the field of medicine as is described above, but also in thefield of industry.

1. An endoscope system comprising: an insertion portion adapted to beinserted into a test object; an operating section connected to a baseend of the insertion portion, the operating section comprising agripping portion; an image display unit provided so as to face an outercircumferential surface of the operation section; and a supportingportion provided on the operating section, the supporting portionsupporting the image display unit so that the image display unit can beopened from and shut against the outer circumferential surface of theoperating section.
 2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, whereinthe supporting portion is provided with: a first rotation shaft thatmakes the image display unit rotatable with respect to one direction ofthe outer circumferential surface of the operation section, and a secondrotation shaft that makes the image display unit rotatable around anaxis which is perpendicular to the first rotation shaft.
 3. Theendoscope system according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein theoperation section is provided with a recessed portion on the outercircumferential surface of the operation section, and the supportingportion supports the image display unit such that it can be housedwithin the recessed portion.
 4. The endoscope system according to claim3, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft areeach located away from the central axis of the image display unit.